In this live session, we conduct a detailed X-ray analysis for a member named Desmond to explore the mechanical realities of spondylolisthesis and lower back injuries. A common misconception in clinical settings is the idea that a practitioner can simply "put a joint back in place." We dismantle this myth, explaining why structural shifts like spondylolisthesis cannot be manually reversed and why focusing on "alignment" without objective measurements can be misleading. Instead of chasing a temporary fix, we focus on the importance of stabilising the lumbosacral junction (L5/S1) and building a "database of reasons" why your back is resilient rather than fragile.We also address the psychological hurdles of recovery, specifically the anxiety and fear-avoidance behaviours that often follow a herniated disc diagnosis or a microdiscectomy. By shifting the focus from how you "feel" to how you "perform" in foundational movements like the squat and hip hinge, you can objectively measure your progress. Whether you are returning to a demanding job like bricklaying or managing the daily load of a young family, the goal of a professional rehabilitation programme is to ensure your body is conditioned for more strain than your daily life requires. We discuss why "not lifting weights" is often lazy advice, as every daily action—from putting on a coat to picking up a child—is a form of loading the spine that requires preparation and strength.Check out the article: https://backinshapeprogram.com/2026/02/stop-trying-to-pop-your-back-a-strategic-guide-to-spondylolisthesis-and-spinal-stability/Key Topics Covered🦴 Spondylolisthesis & Structural Realities: We examine why structural slips at the L5/S1 level require stabilisation rather than manual manipulation. Understanding what can be changed versus what must be adapted around is a critical principle for long-term spinal health. 🏋️ Performance vs. Sensation: Why relying solely on pain levels is a gamble when returning to work or exercise. True rehabilitation is found in validating your strength through progressive loading in a controlled environment before testing it in the real world. 🤱 Managing Load in Daily Life: For those recovering while parenting or working, we discuss how to turn movements like getting out of a chair into a spine-stabilising exercise. Every movement is an opportunity to practice a neutral spine and protect injured tissues.Chapters00:00 Testing the TikTok Live setup01:35 The myth of "putting joints back in place"02:58 Desmond's X-ray analysis: L1 to L504:30 Understanding the sway-back posture06:05 The problem with posterior pelvic tucking07:35 The "Chest Pop" for better upper lumbar alignment09:10 Why we can't "un-slip" a spondylolisthesis10:55 Principles of a neutral spine and core stability12:55 MRI results: Why "normal" can be misleading14:40 Case study: Grade 4 spondylolisthesis symptoms15:40 The 6 main exercises for spinal stability17:35 Returning to work as a bricklayer: Performance over feeling19:55 Sciatica and referred leg pain without back pain21:20 Thoughts on peptides and invasive procedures23:05 Why phase 1 rehab doesn't need a traditional warm-up27:30 Questioning your practitioner's strategy31:15 Why you should prioritise the back over arm training34:05 Challenging the "don't lift any weights" advice36:20 Squats for those with "bad knees"39:10 Overcoming anxiety and fear-avoidance42:15 Post-surgery recovery and epidural injections48:25 How to scale hip hinges and squats effectively51:10 Steroid shots vs PRP for herniated discs53:55 Rehabilitation for postpartum mothers58:00 Realising that daily life is constant loading01:03:20 Closing thoughts on the McKenzie method#Spondylolisthesis #LowerBackPain #Sciatica